Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Be extraordinary!

Kisses,

T.

Tracy Porter

Tracy Porter’s Tips for Believing in Yourself

· Remind yourself often. You can do anything you set out to do.

· Close your eyes and envision the outcome.

· If you want something… grab hold and start working towards it. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams.

· Inspire others, your kids, your spouse, your friends. What a gift to let them know that you believe in them. So simple. So powerful.

· No matter who you are, what you do, where you live, what you’re striving towards… Believe in yourself. It’s the least you can do.

· If you’ve fallen… no worries… get up and get going. Believe in yourself.

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Believe In Yourself

Always Believe in Yourself and Your Dreams: A Collection of Poems

Cowboy Boots

Kisses,

T.

Tracy Porter
Dream delicious

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable recipe!)

Tracy Porter Steamed Sugar Snap Peas Recipe

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La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil

Mauviel Copper 2 Handled Oval Pans

All-Clad Stainless Steel 3-Piece Steamer Set

As tasty as these French fries are…. They are truly the vehicle for all the dipping options. Have fun with this all-American side… all the sauces, dips, dressings, herbs and saltiness makes them all the finer. Isn’t it time to have your way with some delicious homemade French fries!??!!

Xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Delight in the little things!

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable recipe!)

Tracy Porter Homemade French Fries Recipe

- 4 large russet potatoes

- Canola oil

- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

- Wash potatoes and cut into strips… they can be any size you choose, really (tip: the fatter the strips… the less oil they’ll absorb).

- Set the cut potatoes into a pan of cold water with ice and leave for at least 30 minutes (tip: this simple process helps eliminate some of the starch from the potatoes… crispier… tastier fries)!

- Remove from water and dry completely.

- Heat at least 2 qts. oil in a large heavy pan to 350-375 degrees F. (tip: I love my cast iron skillet…. 3-4 inches of oil works beautifully). Use a thermometer (deep fry; or candy thermometer work great).. to ensure the temperature.

- Place a handful of potato strips carefully into the hot oil and cook until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.

- Remove from the oil using a spider skimmer or tongs. Set fries onto paper towels or a ripped-open paper grocery bag to absorb oil.

- Place remaining potato strips into oil (tip: make sure the oil temperature always comes back up to 350-375 degrees before the next batch goes into the oil)… repeat process….

- Season generously with salt and fresh-ground pepper.

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned 15 Inch Cast-Iron Skillet

Spider Skimmer

Deep Fry Thermometer

White Take Out Boxes

In our travels we have indulged and tested more than our fair share of margaritas but none compares to what we make at home. I have crafted them in many a home and even in a few bars where they just didn’t understand the expectation. Once, in rural Ireland, the barkeep admitted that he’d never made a margarita and invited me behind the counter. As one might expect, I made more than one. Now, they didn’t have Limeade but I was able to MacGyver[i] my way through their ingredients to make a reasonable facsimile (“Eye thar, m’lad, ‘tis a mighty fiyne drank ye make; per me anudder!”).

My Irish sainthood is pending.

John Porter, Margarita Mixologist

a/k/a “Mr. Tracy Porter”

Live Responsibly: Do Not Drink And Drive

[1] The term “MacGyver” refers to the popular television show starring Richard Dean Anderson. The context is that, in the show, MacGyer was famous for being able to construct complicated things from ordinary objects, i.e., a homemade bomb using a toothpick, some wheat flour and a stick of Dentyne® gum.

[1] Tequila is a highly regulated Mexican liquor produced only in certain regions of Mexico. That said, there are 901 registered brands of tequila from 128 producers list with the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (report here). For more info on tequila, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tequila.

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable recipe!)
Porter’s Potent Margaritas Recipe
On The Rocks With Salt

(serves eight people one each or one person eight)

A Porter Proven Recipe™

Ingredients

- Twelve ounces (12 oz) of tequila[ii] (Patrón® Añejo [recommended], Sauza’s Hornitos® Reposado or 1800® Reposado, if budget allows, or Jose Cuervo Especial®)

- Six ounces (6 oz) of triple sec: (Cointreau® [recommended], if budget allows, or Triple Sec by Hiram Walker, Mohawk or Mr. Boston)

-Grand Marnier® [recommended] (if budget allows)

-One (1) 6 oz. can of Limeade®

-Water

-Six (6) Limes

-Ice

-Kosher Salt

Process

Place ¼ cup of Kosher salt on a small salad plate or in a bowl a little larger than the diameter of your glasses. Prepare up to eight (8) glasses – the “right” margarita glass is a highly debated subject. For me, it’s a glass that holds liquid, with a rim. Begin by running ¼ of a lime around the rim of each glass and dipping upside down into the salt such that the rim of each glass is crusted with salt (for those who do not like the salt – too bad, this is the way they are to be done; I’m kidding, of course). Cut remaining limes into quarters.

In a large pitcher mix the tequila, triple sec, the contents of the Limeade can and one and one-half (1½) cans of water and stir until Limeade is dissolved. Saving aside eight (8) quarters of limes, squeeze the juice of remaining limes into the pitcher as well. Tap each glass over the sink to remove loose salt and fill each with ice. Stir the contents of the pitcher (uh, the margaritas) vigorously and pour over ice. Into each glass then add a splash of Grand Marnier, a quarter of lime (squeezed) and serve. It is imperative – for your safety and the happiness of others – to immediately begin to remake the entire recipe…they will want more, fast.

Tracy Porter Top 10 Tips for the BEST MARGARITAS

1. Salty snacks are a must. (warm salted peanuts in petite silver bowls certainly are nice)

2. Work your way around the rim… a taste of the kosher salt with every sip is essential

3. Lime is Key. Get your hands on that wedge and sqeeze!

4. Mix thoroughly. We always tend to like our drinks “round”… meaning “full”… meaning “all notes hitting the tongue at once”…. You catch our drift here, right?!!

5. Sit back. Relax your neck. Find a good chair… you may need one soon.

6. Use quality ingredients… life is short…. It’s time for you to have a grown-up margarita (they’re still good with chips and salsa)

7. Make it a double. (some days… this simply is a reality)

8. It’s all in the glass. No need for a stem…. Who needs their drink suspended in the air? We like our margaritas to fit right in the palm of our hand….

9. Golden color. Need we say more.

10. When out and about…. This is how we recommend you order for an ideal margarita experience (with hand motions, of course..): Margarita on the rocks with salt…. Wedge of lime… splash of Cointreau… splash of Grand Marnier…oh, make it a double… please!

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The Little Black Book of Cocktails

Market-Fresh Mixology: Cocktails for Every Season

How’s Your Drink?: Cocktails, Culture, and the Art of Drinking Well

Tracy Porter tips for letting your passions lead!

* What do you dream about… well then, get busy!
* What are your favorite hobbies… do you spend enough time with them?
* Be honest with yourself…. be honest with others
* What makes your heart beat a-flutter?
* What makes your palms sweaty!!!?
* What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?
* Life is full of options… try as much on as you can!
* Stop fretting… start doing!
* Who cares if you haven’t tried something before – the time is now.
* No regrets. if you live this way… your passions will naturally lead you!!!

Embrace Your Passions!!!

xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Find something… anything to sink your teeth into… allow yourself to dream… to evolve…to be passionate. Joy is the key to life!!

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The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

Why Get Up in the Morning: A Guide to the Meaning of Life

Get a Hobby!: 101 All-Consuming Diversions for Any Lifestyle

So much of the furniture and accessories on the market for porches, decks, and patios…. to me, seem so cold and sterile…. I like to add my own twist (I know, big shocker)!! My secret wish?…. to spend as much time as possible on the porch this summer…. Relaxing!!

It all comes down to easy, inspiring tips to get you on your merry way… Rejoice in the ease of Summer!!!

Tracy Porter Top 10 tips for comfort on your porch!

1. textiles…. cozy throws… plump pillows… soft rugs underfoot
2. furniture…. don’t skimp… make sure you have enough little tables, chairs, and spots to allow everyone to relax!!
3. color… delight your senses… go bold
4. accessories… allow your space to sing…pretty trays, architectural objects, cool lanterns…soft lighting (go for bohemian…. not big box store!!!)
5. music… a little indulgence…. will keep your heart light
6. easy care…I learned the hard way!!… choose wisely so you aren’t spending all your time cleaning and tidying (choose navy cushions over the cream ones…. hides all the stains!!!)
7. good reading… fresh magazines are a wonderful way to catch-up on all worldly matters
8. shoes…. not allowed
9. time… it’s of no matter… let it go…
10. cocktails… always optional… but always a good choice!!!

Happy porch-living!!!

xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Embrace the sweetness of Life!!!

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Teak Chaise Lounge Chair

Euro-Style Chaise Cushion – Sunbrella Fabric (74×23")

100% New Zealand Wool Blanket / Throw

Now, if you haven’t ventured into artichoke territory….never fear! They may look intimidating (I mean, beautiful… tasty, and …marvelously savory… loaded with deliciousness…)but this scrumptious, easy recipe will have you cooking sausage-stuffed artichokes for your next meal!!!

Get ready for another tasty success in the kitchen… you will be soulfully delighted….satisfied…. and ready for more, more… artichokes in your life!!

Xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Dream Delicious!

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable recipe!)

6 artichokes

1 lemon

½ cup finely diced onion

4 cloves chopped garlic

1 bunch chopped flat-leaf parsley

2 cups Italian-flavored bread crumbs

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

½ lb. Italian sausage

½ cup olive oil + 1/3 cup more for drizzling

Salt and fresh-ground pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut the stems off all artichokes. Cut off the upper third with a sharp serrated knife; trim tips off of all other leaves with your kitchen scissors. Rub all cut surfaces of artichoke with a wedge of lemon.

Place the artichokes in the boiling water and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes (tip: I place a glass pie plate on top of the artichokes to keep them secure while cooking). Test them by pulling off a leaf, should come-off easily…. Also – a knife into the bottom should pierce easily. Remove from pan and drain upside down on a cooling rack placed atop a kitchen towel.

Cook sausage for 4 minutes, add onions and cook until softened, another 4-5 minutes.

Add garlic, cook for one more minute.

Remove from the heat and stir in bread crumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese and ½ cup of the olive oil. Mix and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

When the artichokes are cool, open from the top to reveal the inner-choke. Scrape out the choke with a spoon; careful not to damage the heart… which sits just beneath the choke. Carefully open-up artichoke by gently pulling leaves back (without tearing them off).

Put a generous scoop of sausage stuffing into each opening (also tuck some in between the leaves).

Place artichokes in a baking dish and generously drizzle the tops with remaining 1/3 cup olive oil.

Pour 1 cup of water into the dish and place into a pre-heated 400 degree oven.

Bake artichokes until they are nicely browned – about 15 minutes. (tip: I usually will broil for one minute at the end… to ensure nicely browned tops)

Optional: a vinaigrette dressing makes for a splendid dip… what’s your flavor?!!

Tracy Porter’s Top Tips for serving Delicious Stuffed Artichokes

· I usually make one artichoke per person… what an amazing meal!.. even the kids will devour an entire artichoke for dinner!

· We’re really into dipping in our family… whirl together a few flavorful dressings and dips…. Serve tableside in little bowls… sure to delight!

· Set a pretty little plate or dish next to each place setting – to discard leaves as they’re eaten (scraped…. Licked….)-clean of their deliciousness! (after all, its what the Victorian’s would’ve done)!!!

· Consider a medley of chopped fresh herbs in the pork sausage stuffing…. Who doesn’t want insane flavor!?? Try some of my favorites : rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives, etc…

· Allow yourself to be inspired by European Country entertaining….consider serving your artichokes buffet-style on a big old chopping board… light some little twinkling votives.. and let your family/guests serve themselves…absolute enchantment.

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Sagaform Edge Large Oak Carving Board

Le Creuset Round French Oven, 5 1/2-Quart

CIA Masters Collection 12 Inch x 17 Inch Wire Cooling Rack, Chrome Plate Steel

J.A. Henckels Twin Select Kitchen Shears

Tracy Porter

I’m such a believer in life running full circle… most everything you give… will come back to you in beautiful ways. Thoughtfulness, i find, has huge paybacks… to your heart and soul mostly. The days, weeks, and years speed by so fast… take a moment when you can to give a little piece of yourself to someone who needs you. The joy you will feel is warm and fulfilling…. in a way that only you will know. Gifts of thoughtfulness are truly the most special form of giving.

Tracy Porter’s tips for giving of yourself:

* write a note to someone dear
* an unexpected phone call, email of visit can make such an impact
* send a little gift to someone you haven’t seen in a while
* remember birthdays
* hold a child’s hand; hold a friends hand; hold a parent’s hand
* be a good listener
* share a meal with someone who needs the company
* volunteer (one day, my goal is to read stories to kids at the library… what’s your wish?)
* ask questions
* say thank you
* be in the moment

Embrace the sweetness of Life!

xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

P.S. Inspiration Fascination videos are alive and well…. Looking forward to seeing you back in a few weeks!!! Tracy & Sarah

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Time for Thoughtfulness

The Power of Giving

The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering

Giving from Your Heart

Now, you know me…. Like any other project that I have you join me for… I want to be sure that you SUCCEED!!! I’m all about demystifying complicated crafts and techniques and making them enjoyable and easy for you! Chances are you already have most of the goodies needed…. Maybe just need to hop online to order some wax for melting… but the rest is probably already in your home… waiting for you!!!

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable candle recipe!)

Tracy Porter Best Homemade candle tips and ideas:

· Use small containers and objects from your décor and pantry as vessels for the candles

· Sprinkle herbs into the wax before the candles set

· Embrace the drips… I prefer more.. as it looks artful!

· Soy wax: eco-friendly and easy to use… also comes pre-shaved for easy meltability

· A dot of hot glue keeps your wick in place – so smart!

· Use a clothespin to hold and balance your wick as your pouring your wax…. Nobody likes a crooked wick darlings!

· Once your candles are cooled and set….. consider nestling into a clear cellophane bag and personalizing with a tag: instant gift!

· Have a candle-making party. Your friends will love it; kids love it!

Embrace a new passion!!…. Candles!!!

Xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Delight in the little things!

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Soy Candle Making Kit

Pre-Waxed Wire Wick W/Clip

Natural Soy 444 Wax

Candle Scent Liquid 1oz-Lavender

Candy Thermometer

Aluminum Tins

The porch…. Ah yes, one of life’s little luxuries indeed. Now, I have learned many tips and secrets over the years for squeezing every ounce of goodness out of our precious spring and summer months on the porch. So many quick ideas…. You might be tempted to set up your outdoor space in a fun new way this year… front porch, screen porch, deck, patio or just a little spot under a shade tree… the warm days are here… rejoice!

Tracy Porter Top 10 Porch Decorating and entertaining TIPS!

1. Bring the indoors out! Make your outdoor spaces comfy and eclectic…

2. Comfort. So key to luring you out there…

3. Whimsy. Why not… add some framed art…something that warms your heart… some folly….

4. Candles. Always!!! I am candle-obsessed inside…. Even more magical outside!!!

5. Flowers. Something to lift your spirit and delight your eye

6. Games of all kinds – cards, checkers, cribbage…. Instant relaxation

7. Stacks of fresh magazines and dusty books(a great distraction in between snacks and naps)

8. Plenty of pretty napkins and paper plates (instant entertaining)

9. A hammock – if your space allows – is one of the most pampering things you can do for yourself

10. A sweaty glass of something divine: Lemonade, iced tea, mint julep, chardonnay, martini… What’s your flavor?!

11. (Oh, and I had to add… DOGS… they just make the porch experience more easy-going…. If you don’t have one… borrow one from a neighbor)!!!

Here’s to relaxing… the sound of crickets at night…. And warmth of the season!!

Xoxox,

T.

Tracy Porter

Surround Yourself With Loveliness!

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Cribbage Board

Primitive chair

Newfoundlands

Lanterns

Great for summer picnics… divine for casual evening dinners (al fresco on a humid eve)… you’ll wonder why you don’t just throw one of these salads together each week!

(Click here for Tracy Porter’s printable recipe!)

Here’s my signature spin on the classic chopped salad:

1 can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed

½ red onion

1 red pepper, seeded

1 yellow pepper, seeded

1 English cucumber, peeled and seeded

1 can heart of palm, drained

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 head romaine lettuce

1 bunch cilantro

Start by giving your romaine a rough-chop. I prefer a mix of textures in my chopped salad… so I tend to vary the size of the chopping and dicing of the lovely veggies that get thrown into this delicious salad. Why not try a medium dice on one pepper; a fine dice on the other. Perhaps cucumbers bite-size; onions more fine…. Just chop to suit YOUR preference. There are no rules!!! What fun indeed!!

Honey vinaigrette dressing

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey

1 large shallot

Combine all ingredients except shallot, in a blender or cuisinart and whirl together for about one minute. Taste and add to it as needed, depending on your love of acidity. Add Shallot and whirl about 15 seconds more… or until shallot is nicely chopped. Pour dressing over chopped salad, serve and enjoy.

Need more ideas to make this classic salad more signature for you… try some more of my favorites:

Tracy Porter’s favorite salad ingredients:

· Asparagus

· French beans

· Grape tomatoes

· Almonds – slivered and toasted

· Avocado

· Crumbled hard-boiled egg

· Watercress – great as an added topping

· Chicken breast – roasted and shredded

· Crumbled bleu cheese

· Carrots – shredded or finely chopped

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Wooden cutting board

Chef Knife 8”

Cuisinart

I do hope you join me in adding to your collection (new-found obsession)… you will find that once you start looking at bowls for their form (albeit their limitless functions)…. You will have a new decorating mission. Not to mention, finding yourself wandering about the house looking for new place to perch them!!

Tracy Porter Top 10 Tips for decorating with BOWLS:

1. Tuck an exotic bowl onto a bookshelf
2. Fill a colorful bowl with green limes for a vibrant kitchen display
3. Collect natural bowls and group them together as a statement in your foyer
4. Fill a tarnished silver bowl with eclectic jewelry pieces and perch it in your bathroom
5. Keep your essential cooking salts close-at-hand in a lovely bowl next to your stove
6. Pretty soaps look like pieces of art when nestled into a fabulous bowl
7. Be eccentric. Load a fabulous large bowl with books for an inspired centerpiece
8. Create a modern look by grouping a few small bowls in a row at your next gathering. Your guests will love the simplicity…Perfect for snacks too!
9. Glass bowls make lovely displays for your collections. Place them in front of a window and they will naturally come to life!
10. Be a collector. The more bowls you have on hand…. The more endless your creativity!

Xoxo,
T.

Tracy Porter
Let your passions lead you!

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Zodax Mercury Glass Bowl, Antique Silver

Anchor Hocking Presence Trifle Bowl

8" Tree Stump Bowl – Wooden Bowl

Whether your kitchen is roomy, petite, industrial, modern or country…. There are secrets to enhancing YOUR experience…. it’s all in the details girls!! What fun if you are about to jump into a rehab or a new construction… such good kitchen ideas if you are simply giving your existing kitchen a little freshening-up!

Cheers to more deliciousness in the kitchen!

Kisses,

Tracy & Sarah

Tracy Porter
Surround yourself with loveliness!

Links We Love!!

Industrial Restaurant Style Sink

Industrial Sink Sprayer

Marble Countertops

Glass Front Cabinets

Now, the ironic piece to all of this is mom doesn’t consider herself
CREATIVE!! Non, non, non!!! (We just don’t agree with her)…. Quite
the opposite… if you are one who encourages creativity…. One who learns
the fine art of pulling it out of people… well then, you are by the very
nature of it… CREATIVE! Don’t you all agree!?

Join us as we celebrate mothers, sisters, family, and the nurturing that
creatively feeds all of us…. Helps us become more ourselves…. Helps to
push us to places we couldn’t imagine on our own.

Cheers to Moms…. Cheers to encouraging the creative spirit!!!

Tracy Porter’s TOP 10 ways to Encourage Creativity:

1. Ask lots of questions
2. Be a good listener (sometimes the answers are subtle)
3. Try it. Try everything. Why not?!
4. Make a long list of ideas…. thoughts… whims
5. Tear down the hurdles… you know what I mean
6. Believe in yourself. Believe in others.
7. Surround yourself with new ideas… new people… new places…
8. Explore
9. Smile often; be able to laugh at yourself
10. Dare yourself to Dream big… and chase those dreams passionately

Xoxoxo,

T.

Tracy Porter

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Creativity for Life

The Creativity Book

Living the Creative Life

If you are a crafty-soul… your options for embellishing are limitless… if you cringe at the idea of warming-up a glue gun…never fear…. A photo in the cover’s frame and a heartfelt note inside are meaningful touches that will entirely warm the recipient’s heart.

Delight in the artfulness of gift giving!

Xoxo,

T.

Tracy Porter

Embrace the Sweetness of Life!

Shop Items We Love to Buy!!

Red Woven Fabric Photo Album 2- Up 4×6" Bookbound holds 200 photos

Cloth Photo Album w/Frame 9"x9"

Pioneer 12-inch x 12-inch Deep Black Frame Cover Memory Book

Satin Ribbon 1/8" – 30 Color Set

4 Seasons Velvet Leaves (Prima)

Life’s Journey Cardstock Die-Cuts: Ephemera

Amy Butler Lotus Tea Box Fabric Brads (K & Co)